Mike Okaty

FOLEY & LARDNER LLP

Mike Okaty is celebrating 25 years at Foley & Lardner this year. He has served as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, investors, executives and high net worth individuals throughout Florida and beyond. Nationally ranked by Chambers USA in Corporate, M&A and Private Equity, Mike is known not only for guiding complex transactions, but also for cultivating enduring relationships with clients—often advising them through multiple stages of growth, strategic acquisitions, financing, and successful exits over the course of decades.

Throughout his career, Mike has represented many of the region’s most respected companies and organizations and assisted with impactful and high-profile transactions in the market. He has advised on hundreds of transactions ranging from founder-led growth companies to complex private equity and strategic mergers and acquisitions. Mike’s leadership extends beyond client service. During his career at Foley & Lardner, he has served in numerous leadership positions, progressing from Chair of the Associates Committee to Office Managing Partner, member of the Management Committee, National Corporate Practice leadership, and currently serves as Chair of the Finance Committee.

An entrepreneur at heart, Mike co-founded Investing Local, an investment organization focused on supporting emerging companies, and later co-founded 1858 Capital Partners, where he serves as Board Chair. His commitment to community leadership has been equally significant. Mike served five years on the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees, including as Vice Chair, and has held leadership positions with numerous nonprofit, business, and educational organizations. In 2026, he was appointed by Governor DeSantis to the Florida Board of Governors, the constitutional body responsible for overseeing the State University System of Florida.

Whether advising boards, mentoring entrepreneurs, or serving in public leadership, Mike remains guided by a simple principle: lasting success is built through relationships, integrity, and creating opportunities for others. He values time with his family and friends and enjoys a variety of hobbies including travel and golf.

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